PCS: The Basics About Permanent Change of Station

As a service or family member, you can expect moving to be part of your military life. The War Department provides a variety of relocation resources to help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible — before, during and after your move. In this article, we break down what you need to know about a PCS.

What your PCS orders include

Unlike temporary duty assignments, PCS orders are a longer-term assignment, based on where you’re needed most, which generally lasts two to four years. Broadly speaking, your orders will tell you where you’ll be moving to — either inside the continental U.S., known as CONUS, or outside the continental U.S., known as OCONUS.

These destinations are specifically defined as:

• CONUS: Any location within the 48 continental, or contiguous, states and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii
• OCONUS: Any location outside the 48 continental, or contiguous, states and the District of Columbia, including Alaska and Hawaii

Organizing your move

You may receive a PCS notification before official orders arrive, but it’s important to remember you will not be able to schedule your move until official orders are in hand, because they include important information related to your authorizations and entitlements.

While moving can be a challenge, the following resources can help make your PCS as easy and safe as possible.

The Military OneSource Moving Your Personal Property page offers all of your personal property resources and information in one convenient location, including links to:

• Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, login link and information to schedule your move, track your shipment or file a claim
• Personal property customer service contacts
• Personal property resources such as packing guides and tips, entitlement brochures, FAQs about shipping your household goods, moving videos and podcasts, and more
• PCS Entitlements, where you can find out how much and what types of items you’re allowed to move

Plan My Move is an online tool that helps you create, organize and manage your PCS through customized checklists so that you can stay on top of important to-dos as you get ready to move. Answer a couple of questions and you’re on your way to building that checklist.

Military OneSource is available 24/7 anywhere in the world with expert moving consultants and online tools and resources to help you get organized and settled. Call anytime to speak with a consultant, or log in to start a secure live chat. Learn more about arranging a personal property shipment, and find out how our experts can help you manage the stress of a PCS.

Relocation assistance and resources

Access a variety of online and installation-based resources that help you before, during and after your move:

• Your Relocation Assistance Program offers excellent local support for moving and getting settled at your new duty station. Relocation experts at each installation offer predeparture briefings, newcomer orientations, one-on-one support, and information about job opportunities, child care, school liaisons and more. Support is available for all stages of your PCS at your leaving and arriving installations.
• MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provides comprehensive information about military installations worldwide. Search for programs and services, and access information on health care, temporary housing, check-in procedures, schools, surrounding communities, contact information and more. Explore your base and beyond with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
• Your military sponsor, when assigned by your gaining institution, can help you prepare for relocation and connect you with resources at your new duty station.

• Blog Brigade offers insider moving tips, stories and military life insights from other military spouses, including what to expect with housing, managing separations from loved ones, and settling in at a new duty station.
• If you’re moving with pets, regulations and reimbursements vary by location, especially for overseas assignments. Be sure to research requirements early and review authorized expenses before finalizing your move.

If you’re moving with pets, regulations and reimbursements vary by location, especially for overseas assignments. Be sure to research requirements early and review authorized expenses before finalizing your move.

Personally procured moves for do-it-yourself movers

If you prefer to organize your move yourself, you may be able to choose a personally procured move, or PPM. You are eligible for a PPM when you have PCS or temporary duty orders or are separating, retiring, or moving to, from or between government quarters.

During a PPM, you coordinate the move of your household goods yourself without using any military-contracted moving services. While this option offers greater control and flexibility, it also means you are responsible for all the planning and communications that a military-coordinated move usually handles. Avoid added stress and possible problems by learning the ins and outs of a PPM:

• Conducting a Personally Procured Move podcast
• Personal Property Resources